Travel Packing Tips

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Okay folks, on popular demand I will provide you guys with travel tips for packing luggage. Girls listen-up, packing light is the motto.

Because most airline companies only allow about 40lbs worth of suitcase weight per 2 weeks of travel, packing light is key especially if you are traveling on a budget because overweight luggage costs a fortune, $10 per extra pound on average. yup, it's a trap you don't want to get caught in.

First, it's important to mention that all liquid products, of any kind, are now required to be checked-in and are no longer permitted aboard the aircraft. Nonetheless, bottles of sunscreen and moisturizers are definitely a must and although they do tend to be heavy, you can't travel without them. For more information on what is and isn't permitted on air crafts please consult Transport Canada or The Transportation Security Administration for the US.

Packing 101

1. As Previously mentioned, the first thing you want to make sure you have inside your suitcase if vacationing south are sunscreens. Yes more than just one bottle. I recommend that you bring different levels of protection as well as aloe based sunburn relief moisturizers. Personally, I start off my vacation using 30 sunblock gradually decreasing to about a 15 and for sunburns there's nothing like Hawaiian Tropic's Sunburn Relief.



2. Do not pack to many clothing items! It doesn't matter if you stay for a week or two, you won't be wearing most of it. I do however, highly recommend that you bring a couple light dresses and for men some nice trousers and shirts for evening wear. Other than that, a few tank tops and shorts, 2-3 bathing suits, flip-flops and you're set.



3. Sweaters. Some evenings and nights can get cold and too often we forget to pack cold weather items like jackets and sweaters but from experience at least one warm sweater and/or jacket is a must. This provides great comfort on those frigid summer nights and it's also part of traveling and being prepared for the unexpected.



4. Do not pack hairdryers, gadgets like lap-tops, DVD players, speakers, valuable jewelery or anything that has great monetary or sentimental value or is unnecessary. anything can happen to luggage, from loss to theft and/or damage so leave behind things that you aren't prepared to give-up and that simply take-up too much room.



5. Pack some snacks. I never leave without a couple bags of chips in my luggage. This tip isn't just great for packing but for saving money as well. Hotel stores and boutiques charge a fortune for snacks and goodies so I bring my own. This way, whenever I miss the food from home, I can always dig into my luggage and rejoice myself with a little treat. This is optional of course but it might come handy.



6. Pack for the unexpected. A lot of things can happen on vacation and you want to make sure you are prepared. Make sure you have basic first aid items packed in your luggage like band-aids, disinfectants like peroxide, some anti-constipation medication because changing food habits can have less than comfortable consequences, allergy medications, headache relief, insect repellent and a good muscle and joint ointment since certain activities can leave the body feeling sore and weak.



7. Last but not least, packing light has it's benefits. Upon returning, remember that you need to pack your gifts and souvenirs and those can be heavy. Booze, cigarettes, these you are allowed to bring home with you in certain amounts but they can take-up lots of luggage space so packing light to begin with will allow you to bring home much more and at those prices, you'll want to bring back plenty!

There's no secret to packing, just being conscientious of what you are actually going to use is a big step towards packing light. If you're like me, you might need to pack, revise, pack, revise, a couple times before you're actually satisfied but keep in mind that it's vacation and comfort is key! For more packing tips check-out this great sight that provides information on safe packing and regulation appropriate packing and remember, don't worry be happy!!